TFC Business Show

Beating Giants With No Money. The Challenger Brand Playbook [TBS 57, In Collaboration With UOB Finlab]

The traditional marketing funnel, awareness, consideration, conversion, is dead. Real buyers don't move in straight lines. Some jump straight to purchase. Others sit on the bench for six months. And some only buy because their friend did. Recorded live at the UOB FinLab SME programme, we dig into what actually moves people from curious to converted. From community-led growth to founder content, nano influencers to post-purchase loyalty, this episode covers the full picture. Meet the Guests * Laura Kantor Hero Marketing, Southeast Asia, Canva - Building community without a single paid ambassador, and why Canva's growth engine isn't ads, it's people. * Vanessa Tan CMO, STRYV - From launching POCO phone at Xiaomi Indonesia to competing with Dyson and Philips, lessons in brand-building for challenger brands. * Don Siah Founder, Diamond Ateliers - From random Instagram videos to a flagship store on Orchard Road, how radical trust-building converts high-ticket buyers Key Takeaways: * The 3 things buyers always look for before they pull the trigger (it's not more information) * The trust formula for big-ticket purchases * Why nano influencers (under 5,000 followers) can outperform celebrity endorsements * The difference between content that attracts and content that converts, and why you need both * Founder-led content: why putting your face on the brand is your biggest unfair advantage * How to extend customer lifetime value even for products people only buy once Whether you're running a small business, scaling a startup, or trying to compete against the giants, this episode is packed with real, battle-tested strategies you can steal today. If you're still marketing like it's 2015, this episode will change everything. Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review --- 🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more. Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut 📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE * Spotify [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify] * Apple Podcast [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast] * YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube] 🔗 CONNECT WITH US Get daily tips, insights, and community: * Instagram [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram] * TikTok [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktok] * Telegram [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram] * Whatsapp [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel] * Newsletter [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter] 📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists] ⚠️ Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions. Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey [http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why Malaysia is the Next Big Thing in Franchising [TBS 56, Sponsored by MFA]

Most Singaporeans don't realise our neighbour up north has been quietly building a franchise empire for over three decades, and 2026 might be the biggest edition yet. We sit down with Kairul Azman Mohd Yusoh, Secretary General of the Malaysia Franchise Association, at the Marrybrown Sentosa flagship to unpack why FIM (Franchising International Malaysia) 2026, happening 21–23 May at KLCC, is officially the longest-running franchise event in the region.  We're talking 150+ companies, 250+ exhibitors, and a 70/30 local-international mix. From homegrown icons like Marrybrown (45 years strong), Manhattan Fish Market, US Pizza, Global Art and Smart Readers, to the National Franchise Policy 2030 with its five strategic pillars, this is a masterclass in how a country systematically scales SMEs into global brands. If you've ever wondered whether franchising is a smart, lower-risk way to start a business, this conversation is your starter pack. Watch now. --- 🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more. Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut 📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE * Spotify [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify] * Apple Podcast [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast] * YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube] 🔗 CONNECT WITH US Get daily tips, insights, and community: * Instagram [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram] * TikTok [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktok] * Telegram [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram] * Whatsapp [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel] * Newsletter [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter] 📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists] ⚠️ Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions. Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey [http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

New Format Coming Soon, Follow our New Feed

After nearly a year of conversations with founders, creators, and entrepreneurs, the TFC Business Show is wrapping up its current format. But before we move into the next phase, we’re looking back at the most memorable stories, unexpected insights, and biggest lessons from the journey. From founders who built businesses from scratch to creators turning passion into thriving ventures, this episode reflects on what it really takes to build something meaningful. Expect honest reflections, behind-the-scenes moments, and a few unfiltered thoughts about entrepreneurship. 🔔 What’s Next The TFC Business Show isn’t ending—it’s evolving into something new. Make sure to follow the show so you don’t miss the next chapter. If you enjoy conversations about business, founders, and entrepreneurship, like the video and subscribe for more. --- 🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more. Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut 📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE * Spotify [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify] * Apple Podcast [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast] * YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube] 🔗 CONNECT WITH US Get daily tips, insights, and community: * Instagram [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram] * TikTok [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktok] * Telegram [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram] * Whatsapp [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel] * Newsletter [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter] 📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists] ⚠️ Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions. Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey [http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Meet The Technology That Can Keep Durians and More Truly Fresh All Year Round [TBS 54]

Can technology make seasonal food available all year round without losing its freshness? We sit down with Christopher Quek, VC, entrepreneur, and founder of Spike Durian, to explore how a simple obsession with durian led to an unexpected startup opportunity. After two decades investing in startups, Christopher decided to jump back into the arena. What followed was a fascinating journey into food technology, AI-assisted freezing methods, and building a new kind of durian business. From finding suppliers in Malaysia to launching the company in just three months, this episode dives deep into the entrepreneurial mindset behind spotting opportunities others overlook. But the conversation goes far beyond durian. We explore: * What investors really look for in startups * The challenges of commercializing new technology * How founders test product-market fit * The surprising customer segment that embraced this idea * And why Southeast Asia might be the next big growth story for entrepreneurs If you're a startup founder, SME owner, investor, or just curious about how businesses are built, this episode is packed with insights. --- 🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more. Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut 📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE * Spotify [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify] * Apple Podcast [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast] * YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube] 🔗 CONNECT WITH US Get daily tips, insights, and community: * Instagram [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram] * TikTok [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktok] * Telegram [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram] * Whatsapp [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel] * Newsletter [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter] 📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists] ⚠️ Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions. Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey [http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Boring Business Of Vending Machines, Made Interesting Again [TBS 53]

☕ Can a vending machine make café-quality coffee? In this episode of The Financial Coconuts Business Show, we sit down with the founders of Flow Coffee, a startup challenging Singapore’s coffee scene with an unexpected idea: coffee vending machines that serve café-grade drinks made with fresh milk. After noticing how expensive and inconvenient good coffee can be, Chang Wei Sheng (Founder & CEO) and Jarran Ng (Co-Founder & COO) set out to build a smarter solution, combining automation, technology, and clever operations to make quality coffee more accessible. In less than a year, they’ve deployed 20 machines across Singapore - but the journey to get there involved engineering challenges, manufacturing hurdles, and plenty of experimentation. In this episode, we talk about: 🔹 Why good coffee is getting more expensive 🔹 The idea behind café-style coffee vending machines 🔹 How they went from concept to 20 machines in under a year 🔹 The technology powering their automated coffee system 🔹 Lessons from building a hardware + operations startup 🔹 The challenges of scaling a physical product business 🔹 What it takes to disrupt a traditional industry If you’re an entrepreneur, SME owner, or startup builder, this episode is packed with insights about launching and scaling a real-world business. 🎧 Tune in to hear the full story behind Flow Coffee. Guests: * Chang Wei Sheng, Founder & CEO, Flow Coffee * Jarran Ng, Co-Founder & COO, Flow Coffee 👍 Like this episode? Subscribe to The Financial Coconuts Business Show for more conversations with founders, operators, and SME leaders. #startup #entrepreneurship #coffee #vendingmachine #businesspodcast --- 🎧 The Financial Coconut: Your weekly source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. We explore personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship to help you build a richer life. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more. Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut 📍 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE * Spotify [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify] * Apple Podcast [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast] * YouTube [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube] 🔗 CONNECT WITH US Get daily tips, insights, and community: * Instagram [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram] * TikTok [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktok] * Telegram [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram] * Whatsapp [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel] * Newsletter [https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter] 📺 MORE FROM OUR NETWORK Discover our other shows and deep dives on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheFinancialCoconutTFC/playlists] ⚠️ Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions. Help us get to know you better: http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey [http://bit.ly/thefinancialcoconut-survey] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.